Discovery Tours Egypt
From per person$26
Attraction Luxor

Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show, Luxor

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Karnak Temple Admission is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the evening Sound & Light presentation at Karnak Temple in Luxor, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Time of day
Evening departure
Destinations
Luxor

Best time to go

The best time to attend is during cooler months from October to April, when evening temperatures are generally more comfortable. Summer evenings can still be warm, and holiday periods may be busier, so checking the official schedule in advance is recommended. During Ramadan and major Egyptian public holidays, opening times and session availability may differ.

02 Overview

A first look

Karnak Temple sits on Luxor's east bank, approximately 500 kilometers south of Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can reserve show tickets and arrange transfers or a private Egyptologist guide.

Background

The facts

Karnak Temple in Luxor is one of the largest temple complexes in ancient Egypt and was developed over many centuries, from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period. The main sacred precinct is dedicated to Amun-Re, with major components including the Great Hypostyle Hall, obelisks, pylons, courts, and the Avenue of Sphinxes that links Karnak with Luxor Temple.

This product is an admission ticket for the evening Sound & Light presentation at Karnak Temple. It grants entry to the scheduled audiovisual show, which uses lighting and narration to highlight the temple precinct and selected monuments such as the Hypostyle Hall and the Amun-Re precinct. It is not a daytime general admission ticket and does not include transport or meals.

Show times and access rules can change seasonally, so visitors should check the official timetable before arriving. The ticket is delivered as a PDF by email after booking, and some venues may require a printed copy at the entrance gate. Photography rules may vary by event session and should be confirmed on site.

Luxor is the nearest major city and rail hub, and Karnak is located on the East Bank near the modern city center. Visitors should plan to arrive early enough for security screening and ticket checks before the scheduled evening session begins.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket is suited to travelers who want an evening cultural visit in Luxor and prefer a self-arranged entry rather than a full sightseeing program. It is also a practical option for adults, couples, and history-focused visitors who want to see Karnak in a staged nighttime presentation.

What lingers

  • 01 Tickets to the Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show (Karnak, Luxor); show runs after sunset, season-dependent, approximately 18:00–20:00.
  • 02 We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we include entrance ticket and reserved seating in the booking.
  • 03 Private transfers, on-site Egyptologist briefings, and gratuities are available at extra cost on request.
  • 04 We do not run coach-based night tours; we arrange small-group transfers to reduce arrival noise and congested entry.
  • 05 Allow 75–90 minutes for the show, site entry, and post-show exit to avoid local gate congestion.
  • 06 Unlike daytime visits, the sound-and-light narrative sequences Karnak's pharaonic construction phases and illuminated processional avenues.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Karnak Temple Sound and Light show admission for the booked session
  • PDF ticket delivered by email after booking

Not included

  • Transport to and from Karnak Temple
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Live, on-site commentary or guided services (book separately if required)
  • Photography permissions or special permits where applicable
  • If the venue requires a printed ticket, printing is not included

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 What time is the Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show?
    Start times vary by season and begin after sunset; confirm the exact time on your ticket. The show usually runs in evening sessions with separate Arabic and English performances; times shift with local sunset. If you book through us we confirm the scheduled session and the meeting point on your voucher and can arrange private transfers to arrive early.
  2. 02 How long is the Karnak sound and light show?
    The performance typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes depending on the program and language. Programs differ by evening; some include extended narration around the Hypostyle Hall. Allow extra time for arrival, security checks, and travel back to central Luxor; we can add transfers if you prefer door-to-door service.
  3. 03 Is the show narrated in English?
    Yes – performances are normally narrated in Arabic and English in separate sessions. Other languages occasionally appear on special nights; check the program for your date. If you require a guaranteed English session we confirm the language before issuing tickets and note it on your voucher.
  4. 04 How do I get to Karnak Temple from Luxor or from Cairo?
    Karnak Temple is on Luxor's East Bank; from central Luxor it is a short taxi ride of about 10–20 minutes. From Cairo the quickest option is a flight to Luxor (about 1 hour 15 minutes); a road transfer is typically 8–9 hours by car. We don't run mass-coach show groups – we issue individual tickets and can add private transfers from your hotel.
  5. 05 Can I take photos or record video during the show?
    Personal photography is usually allowed, but flash, tripods, and professional video equipment are often restricted. Rules vary night-to-night and staff may direct you to stay seated and silent. If you need press or professional filming we handle permit requests and liaise with site authorities in advance.
  6. 06 Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
    Accessibility is limited: Karnak has uneven ancient stone surfaces, thresholds, and steps that restrict continuous wheelchair access. There are some paved sections near modern entrances but no fully smooth route to all viewing areas. We can request accessible seating, arrange an assistant, or suggest an alternative viewing area–please contact us with mobility details before booking.
  7. 07 What happens if the show is canceled for weather or official events?
    If a performance is canceled due to weather or official events, tickets are usually rescheduled or refunded according to the provider's terms. Short-notice cancellations are uncommon but possible; we notify affected guests and propose alternatives such as a different evening or an escorted visit to Luxor Temple. If you book through us–a licensed Egyptian tour operator–we manage rebooking or refunds on your behalf.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-LXR-583875

You Might Also Like

Abu Simbel Temples – Ramses II & Nefertari (Aswan)Aswan

Abu Simbel Temples – Ramses II & Nefertari (Aswan)

Abu Simbel comprises two rock-cut temples built by Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated in 1964–1968 to avoid flooding from the Aswan High Dam. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private road transfers (280 km, about 3 hours 30 minutes) or short domestic flights, private guiding, and overnight stays in Abu Simbel village. The Great Temple faces east and aligns with the sun on February 22 and October 22. Distinctive view: unlike coach-shuffle day trips, we favour private transfers or flights and recommend the overnight option so clients can see the sunrise illumination with fewer crowds. Trade-offs: the site has limited shade, intense midday heat, and requires an early start or a long road transfer.

From $29

Abu Simbel Temples – Sun Festival (22 Feb / 22 Oct)Aswan

Abu Simbel Temples – Sun Festival (22 Feb / 22 Oct)

Attend the Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 February or 22 October and watch sunlight enter the inner sanctuary. The temples are part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments and were relocated between 1964 and 1968 during the Aswan High Dam project. Sunlight illuminates the statues of Amun-Re, Ra-Horakhty, and Ramses II; Ptah remains in shadow. Abu Simbel is about 280 km south of Aswan (≈3.5–4 hours by road) or a short scheduled domestic flight (≈40 minutes), so the festival requires dedicated logistics. We do not bundle the festival with other same-day sightseeing; it needs permits and a fixed arrival window. Expect a pre-dawn pickup, security checks, and limited shade at the site. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange permits, transfers, and on-site briefings.

From $31

Al-Moez Street Entry TicketCairo

Al-Moez Street Entry Ticket

Al-Moez Street is a medieval Cairo thoroughfare lined with Fatimid and Mamluk-era monuments, gates and historic façades. This admission grants access to the pedestrianised street and its visible monuments, including views toward Bab Zuweila and the Mosque of Al-Hakim. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the ticket and send it to you by email as a PDF after booking. Unlike a museum admission, the street is an open historic quarter rather than a single indoor site, so visiting times are flexible but subject to seasonal opening hours and special events.

From $6